We’re Hiring : Fair Seas Marine Policy and Engagement Officer

Jack O'Donovan Trá | 16 September, 2025 |

JOB DESCRIPTION AND APPLICATION INFORMATION
The Irish Environmental Network (IEN) is recruiting a Marine Policy and Engagement Officer.

REPORTS TO:
Campaign Manager and Project Steering Committee

LOCATION:
IEN Offices, MACRO Centre, 1 Green Street, Dublin 7 (Remote working supported) SALARY: €44,000 – €50,000 commensurate with skills and experience

CLOSING DATE:
Wednesday, 8th October 2025.

START DATE:
As soon as possible

CONTRACT:
Full time, until 31st December 2027, with possibility of extension dependent on funding.

ABOUT

The Irish Environmental Network (IEN) is a network of individual environmental non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in Ireland that work individually and, as appropriate, jointly to protect and enhance the environment, and to place environmental issues centre stage in Ireland and internationally.

The IEN works to promote the interlinked principles of environmental, social and economic sustainability. In representing the environment its Members represent a common good and not self-interest. As a network, IEN is greater than the sum of its parts, with synergies developing from working together and sharing knowledge, skills, strengths and experience. The Network acts on behalf of its members to secure and distribute funding from a range of sources, including Government, EU funding bodies and philanthropic institutions. See www.ien.ie for further information.

THE ROLE

This position offers an unprecedented opportunity to develop policies and contribute marine expertise within a coalition of NGOs aiming to secure a well-managed, effective and ecologically coherent network of marine protected areas in Irish waters.

One primary responsibility of this role will be to provide technical expertise concerning Marine Protected Areas and marine conservation and restoration. The Marine Policy and Engagement Officer will lead the production of reports, policy analysis, and development. The other main responsibility of the role will be to lead public and local engagement opportunities with stakeholders and coastal communities

The role of the Marine Policy and Engagement Officer is to work as a core part of the campaign team. You will have a track record of initiating, managing and delivering evidence-based policy work that informs policy objectives and advocacy work, as well as engaging with local communities. You have in-depth knowledge and understanding of marine policy issues in Ireland. You will provide a strong and articulate voice to key decision makers and stakeholders.

You will be comfortable working with coalition partners and independently, delivering on the agreed objectives and strategy.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Review and provide technical input on marine policy and legislation within the context of securing a network of effective and well-managed MPAs in Irish waters.
Provide support and specialist knowledge on the key features of Irish marine policy and legislation to the coalition and external audiences, including elected representatives, civil servants, the media, the general public, other stakeholders and NGOs
Prepare and submit responses to consultations and Government policy development
Build effective working relationships with relevant existing and potential partners involved in the protection, management and use of the marine environment in Ireland
Organise and deliver strategic initiatives and events with coalition partners in local coastal communities, and increase Fair Seas team and partners’ capacity to engage with various relevant stakeholders.
Work with the Campaign Manager to ensure project delivery on time and within budget
Monitor and evaluate the delivery of campaign objectives, ensuring the key activities and impacts of the project work are promoted both internally and externally
Articulate the aims and views of the campaign with a wide range of stakeholders at a range of levels – including ministerial meetings, the Oireachtas, MEPs, departmental officials, scientists, media and the public.
Work with the Communications Officer to ‘translate’ policy positions into appropriate communications / advocacy messages for dissemination
Maintain records of information, for example, lobbying records
Any other tasks as requested by the line manager

KEY REQUIREMENTS

You can provide evidence of the following:

At least three years of experience in environmental policy in particular experience of policy analysis, planning and producing own research and policy documents to tight deadlines
Minimum of a Master’s degree in a relevant discipline, e.g. marine policy, marine biology, ocean science, environmental studies, conservation, etc.
Experience in advocacy campaigns
In-depth knowledge and understanding of marine policy issues and challenges facing Ireland, and an understanding of the effectiveness of EU and Irish policy and legislation in safeguarding the marine environment
Understanding of various stakeholders such as: civil society groups, researchers, small- and large-scale commercial interests, officials, politicians and government ministers
Experience in organising and delivering community events and initiatives.
A passion for the demanding and multi-faceted work in marine conservation and development
An ability to communicate effectively, both written and verbally, effective presentation skills, report-writing skills, letter-writing skills and the ability to converse with a diverse range of people at all levels
The ability to manage and prioritise workload, meet deadlines, and organise meetings and events
Excellent proficiency in working across software: online meetings; word and spreadsheets; websites and social media
Adaptability to frequently changing requirements and needs
Availability to travel within Ireland and beyond

DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS

The following experiences are desirable:

Relevant policy experience in an environmental NGO
In-depth knowledge of Natura directives, EU Maritime Spatial Planning Directive, the Common Fisheries Policy and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive.
Experience in designing and implementing campaign activities to influence the Government and canvass support from the general public for campaign aims.

ABOUT YOU

You are an energetic, self-starting individual who is comfortable working both as part of a team and alone. You welcome guidance and direction and relish working with a coalition of partners. You are detail-oriented and process-minded, but also flexible and creative – you enjoy campaigning and are skilled at working with diverse groups.

You are comfortable working in a small organisation and are excited by the prospect that every day is different. Your campaign partners are situated throughout the country, some overseas, and so you are excellent at remote and intercultural communications.

You have a ‘can-do’ attitude, a passion for learning and doing new things. You are ambitious, creative, accommodating, and have a good sense of humour. You are available to travel nationally and internationally.

FURTHER INFORMATION & BENEFITS: WHAT IEN OFFERS

This role offers the opportunity to join a dynamic organisation and to work with a diverse coalition of leading Irish environmental organisations on an exciting campaign to see Ireland become an EU leader in marine protection.

The annual gross salary for this role is of the range €44,000 – €50,000, commensurate with skills and experience. This contract terminates on 31st December 2027, 35-hour week and salary is payable monthly in arrears.

Other benefits include:

A 5% employers’ matched contribution to a company contributory pension scheme
Generous annual leave of 25 days
Further Education / Training opportunities
Time off in Lieu (TOIL) policy
Travel (bike-to-work schemes/tax saver commuter tickets)
The IEN offices are located centrally in Dublin 7, close to lively Capel Street and only 5 minutes from Luas. Due to the impacts of COVID, staff are currently working remotely, and it is anticipated that remote and blended working will continue to be offered to employees in a post COVID work environment

Attendance at meetings both in the IEN offices and with stakeholders and project partners will be required as necessary. Travel outside of the office is reimbursed according to our expenses policy. Additionally, the role may require participation in meetings which can occur in the evenings and at weekends.

A complete list of all the terms and conditions will be made available to the candidate offered the role through the IEN’s internal policies. The IEN is an equal opportunities employer. IEN is committed to a healthy work-life balance, celebrates diversity and is committed to building an inclusive and supportive environment for all employees.

Expressions of interest should be submitted electronically. Please include in a single pdf document: